1 Peter 4:10-11 - Gifts with Grace to the Glory of God.
1 Peter 4:10-11 - Gifts with Grace to the Glory of God.
1 Peter 4:10-11 (NKJV) As each one has received a gift, minister
it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone
ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in
all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong
the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV) Each one should use whatever gift he has
received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its
various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the
very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the
strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through
Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.
Amen.
1 Peter 4:10-11 (NLT) God has given each of you a gift from his
great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God
himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping
others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then
everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory
and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
1 Peter 4:10-11 (CWR) Each of you has received some of God's
gifts, so use those gifts to help others like good stewards,
administering God's grace in it's various forms. 11 For instance, whoever
preaches should preach the word of God with conviction. Whoever serves
should do it with the strength that God has given him, so that God will
be praised through Jesus Christ. Yes, all glory and power and
dominion belong to Him both now and forever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10-11 (TLB) God has given each of you some special
abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others
God's many kinds of blessings. 11 Are you called to preach? Then
preach as though God himself were speaking through you. Are you called
to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God
supplies so that God will be glorified through Jesus Christ--to him be
glory and power forever and ever. Amen.
WORD STUDY
Oracles. One example of God's "manifold grace" is the ability
to speak fluently and convincingly. However, this gift is to be
used for the glory of God alone. Talents provided by God are to be
safely nurtured and developed so that the communication of the gospel
may never be hindered by uncouthness, insincerity, or levity.
Minister. "If one serves, [let it be] out of strength which
God provides." The consistent Christian life is the constant
unfolding of the enabling power of God. No man can live a sinless life
without an hour-by-hour reliance upon divine power.
Glorified. That God should be honored and exalted is the true
end of life's activities. A Christian is never free from the
obligation rightly to represent God and to demonstrate the effectiveness of
His saving power.
Jesus Christ. Christ is the One through whom the believer
becomes a child of God and through whom the believer glorifies God.
Whom. This pronoun may refer either to God the Father, who is
to be glorified through Jesus Christ, or to Christ Himself. As in
this life, this doxology will be sung to all three persons of the
Godhead when the redeemed gather in their eternal home (cf. Rom. 11:36;
2 Tim. 4:18; Rev. 1:6).
Dominion. To ascribe "dominion" to Christ is to acknowledge
His right to rule and to acclaim Him as ruler. Used in doxologies
only here and in 1 Tim. 6:16; Jude 25; Rev. 1:6; 5:13.
It has been suggested that the latter part of this verse is a
quotation from a prayer used by the early Christians. [SDA Bible
Commentary]
INTRODUCTION
Our abilities should be faithfully used in serving others; none
are for our own exclusive enjoyment. Some people, well aware of
their abilities, believe that they have the right to use their
abilities as they please. Others feel that they have no special talents at
all. Peter addresses both groups in these verses. Everyone has some
gifts; find yours and use them. Peter mentions speaking and serving.
Paul lists these and other abilities in Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians
12:8-11, and Ephesians 4:11. Even as you seek to discover your gifts, if
you see a need in the church, seek to meet it. You may find gifts in
areas you might not have guessed! [Life Application SB]
How is God glorified when we use our abilities? When we use them
as he directs, to help others, they will see Jesus in us and
glorify him for the help they have received. Peter may have been
thinking of Jesus' words, "Let your good deeds shine out for all to see,
so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father" (Matthew 5:16).
Life Application Study Bible. [Life Application SB]
COMMENTARY ILLUSTRATIONS
God shaped you according to your purpose. How else can you
explain yourself? Your ability to diagnose an engine problem by the
noise it makes, to bake a cake without a recipe. You knew the Civil
War better than your American history teacher. You know the name of
every kid in the orphanage. How do you explain such quirks of skill?
God. He knew young Israel would need a code, so he gave Moses
a love for the law. He knew the doctrine of grace would need a
fiery advocate, so he set Paul ablaze. And in your case, he knew what
your generation would need and gave it. He designed you. And his
design defines your destiny. Remember Peter's admonition? ''Any who
serves should serve with the strength God gives." from Cure For The
Common Life [Grace For The Moment SB By Max Lucado]
EACH GIFT IMPORTANT AND NEEDED
John Henry Jowett says that when we think of ourselves as
insignificant in a huge world - as just one among billions, with our
contributions little appreciated - we should recognize that the eyes of God
are on us. He recognizes all we do and all we intend. Jowett
illustrates this by the story of a piccolo player who thought he could take
a little break.
"At a great orchestral rehearsal, which Sir Michael Costa was
conducting, the man who played the piccolo stayed his fingers for a moment,
thinking that his trifling contribution would never be missed. At once,
Sir Michael raised his hand and said, 'Stop! Where's the piccolo?'
He missed the individual note."
Our Lord is aware of and sees each contribution we make.
Those around us may or may not appreciate us, but they need not be our
reference point.
One believer, discouraged by a lack of recognition for his
constant hard work and pure intentions, wrote these words in large, bold
letters on a card: "FOR HIS EYES ONLY." He carried the card in his
pocket, where it would show up when he reached for his pen. He would
then pull it out, look at the proclamation, and smile. His efforts
were seen by the one who would not only judge but encourage and
bless, the one who ultimately mattered.
Jowett says the Lord uses "the note of my life to make the
music of his kingdom, and if the note be absent he will miss it, and
the glorious music will be broken and incomplete."
In contrast, Jowett affirms this hope: "By the power of his
grace we can accomplish wonders."
Lord, put me in tune with your music. Keep my eyes on you as
my Conductor, and help me move with your rhythms. Draw me into full
harmony with you, praising you for wonders to come.
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of
spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10, NLT
[The One Year Book of Encouragement by Harold Myra]
GIFT AND GRACE AND THE STEP OF FAITH
It's not easy, this living by "the will of God" (v. 2). When
Pete's mother called Marti, and asked her to come over, Marti
hesitated. At the Bible study that week Pete's mom had stayed behind and
talked to her, pouring out the pain caused by her husband, who said he
wanted to stay married but insisted on keeping a mistress too. The talk
had helped. But now Pete's mom was feeling desperate again, and
wanted Marti to come over to talk and pray with her. Marti put down the
phone. She wanted to help. But she was afraid to go too. She had always
been like that: honestly wanting to help, but fearful of taking any
initiative. Like the time she'd taught the women's Bible study. Afterward
she was asked to teach again and again. But she never would do it.
She wanted to. But the thought of taking responsibility made her
anxious and upset. We may feel fearful when opportunities to minister
come. But we can't make Marti's choice, and draw back. We have to "do
it with the strength God provides." That verse is not only a
challenge, but also a promise. When you and I do step out to minister, God
will provide the strength we need. Don't expect the strength while
you're standing there, struggling to decide. Decide to do God's will,
and expect the strength to be provided when you need it. [The
365-Day Devotional Commentary]
GIFT AND GRACE GLORIFY CHRIST IN ME
Last week I had several opportunities to show grace. I wasn't
perfect, but I was pleased with the way I handled one situation in
particular. Instead of getting angry, I said, "I understand how that could
have happened. I've certainly made my share of mistakes," and I left
it at that.
According to my own grading scale, I deserved a high score.
Not perfect, but close. Lurking in the back of my mind (I hate to
admit) was the thought that maybe by being gracious I could expect to
be treated that way at some future date.
The following Sunday morning our congregation was singing
"Amazing Grace," and suddenly the audacity of my attitude came through to
me in the words, "Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a
wretch like me."
What in the world was I thinking?! The grace we show to
others is not our own. The only reason we can "give" grace to anyone is
because God has already given it to us. We can pass along only that
which we have received from Him.
Good stewards look for opportunities to pass along to others
what we have received from the Lord. May all of us be "good stewards
of the manifold grace of God" (1 Peter 4:10).
When you know God's grace, you'll want to show God's grace.
by Julie Ackerman Link [Our Daily Bread by Les Lamborn]
GIFTS AND GROUP EFFORT
A group of teenagers on a ministry trip in Jamaica were
enjoying some downtime with a game of Ultimate Frisbee. But when someone
noticed that a boat had overturned off a nearby beach, the game ended
and the teens eagerly rushed to the water to help.
There they found a small group of professional boat operators
struggling with their craft--trying to turn it upright. That's where the
teens could help. They waded in, put their young strength to work, and
together they were able to right the boat.
What happened that day in the Caribbean Sea reminds me of
what can happen in the church. The "professionals," the pastor and
others who are trained to lead the church, face a task they can't do
alone. It's often a struggle to get the work of the church done until
laypeople join in and work alongside the leadership.
This was the situation in Acts 6. Some people in the church
were being neglected, and the "professionals," the apostles who were
leading the church, realized they couldn't do everything by themselves.
Only when seven laypeople pitched in to help the leaders could the
church proceed.
How can you come alongside your pastor and other leaders to
help keep your church moving ahead? by Dave Branon
O Lord, help me in every way
To have a faithful heart;
Teach me to love and serve Your church,
And always do my part. --Fitzhugh
Teamwork divides the effort and multiplies the effect. [Our
Daily Bread by Les Lamborn re 1Pe. 4:10; Acts 6:1-7]
CLOSING THOUGHTS
If you are a publisher or a pastor, a ditch-digger or a
pilot, a fisherman or a fruit grower, a garage mechanic or a furniture
maker, a writer or a homemaker, an office worker or a congressman ...
there are unique things involved in your moment-by-moment work since
you are a child of the Creator of the universe....
You are to do well, whatever you are doing, to the glory of
God (1Pe.4:11). Just as flowers that grow on the Alpine peaks,
beauty in the cracks of rocks with perhaps no one ever passing that
way, are not growing in vain because God sees them, so it is true of
the human being. A person may live alone, walk alone, and feel that
no one is recognizing that he or she is being patient in the
tribulation of loneliness ... but God does know, and is aware of the
whisper, "I love you, God. Please accept my praise as I walk alone
today." This is true of people in prisons, in concentration camps, in
hospital beds, or in wheelchairs.... "Work" to the glory of God can be
done in every part of life ... which is what makes it all so fair.
No one gets a bigger opportunity than another. And no one is "out
of work"! Edith Schaeffer [Time with God SB]
Stop wasting time, Jesus is coming! Stop speaking in your own
voice, with your own words. If you speak, speak for God, with His
words. If you serve, do it through the power which only God Almighty
can supply. We must not serve only ourselves. And it is only in
God's love and strength that we can speak righteously. Service here
covers menial work, the service of a host to a guest, a friend to a
friend, teacher to student and superior to subordinate. These are signs
to the world. Whether Christ comes in the next breath, or the next
eon, this is how we are to live, and serve. Do we? [In His Time; Walk
With Wisdom]
SPECIAL VIDEO CLIP ON SEEKING GOD FIRST
http://vimeo.com/31489782
EXCELLENT VIDEO SERIES ON EXPERIENCING GOD:
http://sda.biggytv.com/watch/Revive!_-_Dwight_Nelson:_Experiencing_Gods_Grace/revive/
LINK FOR BIBLE STUDY GUIDES: http://www.aBible.com
RECENT BIBLE PROPHECY SERIES BY DOUG BATCHELOR:
Episode 1 - Dream of the Ages:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=669oT4uLPFY
Episode 2 - Return of the King:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBrnI3_MyGk
Episode 3 - The Prince of Pride:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpsTOI8X83k
Episode 4 - Ultimate Sacrifice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a8lY8_j74Q
Episode 5 - The Devil's Dungeon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQNY2EY2LH4
Episode 6 - The Unchangeable Law:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxPaaDbONUE
Episode 7 - The Rest of the Work:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HSC9RPdGGY
Episode 8 - The Richest Caveman:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU4KVXqZQ3k
Episode 9 - Bewitching Spirits:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4tUiPEVOjk
Episode 10 - The Final Firestorm:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY4DJ3_qoMs
Episode 11 - Cleansing the Sanctuary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Bb6UqaUfNc
Episode 12 - The Magnificent Kingdom:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vltLJK0TwFA
Episode 13 - Born in a River:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmuNyOogr34
Episode 14 - Bowing to the Beast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3GpS7JGYUc
Episode 15 - Marked for Death:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQe-uarWxeU
Episode 16 - The Woman of Truth:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oozmd1mjdd0
Episode 17 - The Daughter's Deadly Dance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p77Q5d9vcU
Episode 18 - Babylon's Buffet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byjiY5BKzjY
Episode 19 - The King's Ambassador:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-JtidXFTww
Episode 20 - True and False Prophets:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwUefYwdsSs
Program Archives:
http://www.landmarksofprophecy.com/watch-now/program-archives
